Spreading their wings: Pacific Academy students set sights on university

As NCEA exams get underway, hundreds of Māori and Pacific secondary students are preparing for their next challenge, with Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland's Pacific Academy helping make the transition to university a reality.

Students, families, mentors and educators gathered at St Peter's College last month for the Pacific Academy Year 13 Dinner, celebrating students completing secondary school and recognising the collective effort behind their academic journeys.

Delivered through the University's Schools and Community Engagement team, Pacific Academy supports Māori and Pacific Year 12 and 13 students studying NCEA maths and science subjects through tutoring, mentoring and academic guidance, helping strengthen pathways into tertiary education.

Pathways Programmes Manager Katalina Ma heads the Pacific Academy and says the evening was about far more than academic achievement.

"This is an opportunity to celebrate our Year 13 students who have come through the programme. Some have been with us since Year 10, and it's really special to acknowledge not only their hard work, but also the families who have supported them every step of the way."

Pacific Academy's impact continues to grow. From around 50 students in 2022, the programme expanded to more than 630 Māori and Pacific learners by 2024, reached 630 students again in 2025 and now supports just over 980 students in 2026.

That growth has seen the team expand, with former secondary school mathematics teacher Ana Ma and Siulolo Fusitu'a, who previously worked as an adviser in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, joining the programme.

"Having a breadth of talent to lead new and existing hubs across Tāmaki Makaurau has made a real difference for our students," says Ma. "This Year 13 cohort has benefited from enhanced academic support alongside guidance about tertiary study and university life."

Pacific Academy brings together experienced teachers, trainee teachers, university students and graduates to support learners academically while building confidence and helping demystify the transition to university.

A highlight of the evening was seeing mentors return to support the next generation. Having come through the Pacific Academy themselves, many are now studying across a range of disciplines at the University of Auckland, providing powerful examples of what is possible.

For many families, the dinner represented years of encouragement, sacrifice and commitment to their children's educational aspirations.

Ma says strong partnerships between schools, families and communities remain central to student success.

The event also reflected the University's broader commitment to improving tertiary participation and success for Māori and Pacific learners by creating meaningful pathways well before students arrive on campus.

As Year 13 students prepare to spread their wings, the message was clear: university is not a distant dream, but an achievable next step.

"It was a privilege to celebrate this milestone with you," Ma told students. "As you look ahead to the opportunities before you, remember to stay grounded in who you are, be proud of where you come from, and be fearless about where you're going."